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Five Faves... Books About Leaders from Black History

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Today we are celebrating Juneteenth, a holiday to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people in the state be freed. As we celebrate this holiday, here are some great biographies of important leaders from Black History to read and talk about with your family!

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrated by James Ransome
New York: Simon & Schuster, 2024. Biography.

For older children, this picture book biography serves as an inspirational introduction to the mighty civil rights leader John Lewis. Growing up in a sharecropper family in rural Alabama, John Lewis learned early that people were not always treated equally or fairly. John craved education and left home at 17 to learn practices of nonviolent resistance and became instrumental in the fight for civil rights. He led sit-ins; he rode buses with the Freedom Riders; he spoke at the March on Washington; and led the march at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Never shying from the truth, this biography offers a glimpse at the activism and philosophy of John Lewis, who believed that "nonviolence is love in action." Plenty of quotes from John Lewis and collage-style visuals complete this rich biography.

Written by Breanna J. McDaniel
Illustrated by April Harrison
New York: Dial Books, 2024. Biography.

"Augusta Braxton Baker grew up to be a master storyteller. But before that she was an amazing story listener." This picture book biography of the first Black coordinator for children's services for New York Public Library holds a special spot in my heart. Starting her career as a children's librarian in Harlem, she noticed that most of the children in her library were black and almost none of the books available to them had Black characters. And, the ones that did, only had Black characters who were rude, mean, and just plain wrong. She spent the rest of her career building collections, sharing booklists, and educating other librarians on the importance of having authentic and positive stories that represent all children. This picture book, which BEGS to be read aloud, shows Augusta Baker's impact as a storyteller and is supported by lively mixed-media illustrations.

Written by Michelle Meadow
Illustrated by Jamiel Law
New York: Harper, 2024. Biography.

This lyrical picture book biography is an expressive and engaging introduction to poet and activist James Baldwin. Told in free verse, the luminous text covers the highs and lows of James Baldwin's life -- from his childhood in Harlem, his time as a preacher, and his decision to leave preaching and pursue writing to push for the world to change. The text emphasizes his role as a changemaker and leader in the civil rights movement, while the evocative illustrations recreate his life. Essential reading year-round, and a powerful introduction for young readers.

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
New York: Simon & Schuster, 2023. Biography.

The first Black woman in the United States Congress, Shirley Chisholm grew up in a home where she knew about the unfairness and inequity of the world around her. She also know that she could fight to make things better for people who had less. Historically, Shirley Chisholm was also the first woman and first Black American to seek nomination for president from one of the major political parties. This picture book brings her and her story to life with vivid illustrations that highlight stand-out quotes.

Written by Kekla Magoon
Illustrated by Laura Freeman
New York: Quill Tree Books, 2021. Biography.

Growing up in segregated Baltimore, Maryland, Thurgood Marshall saw and experienced the unfairness of segregation and was determined to make all Americans equal. As an attorney, he fought and won important cases for Civil Rights, like the famous Brown v. Board of Education before becoming the first Black American to be appointed a Supreme Court Justice. This picture book biography is a great book to read aloud. It manages to effectively show Marshall's many accomplishments while still engaging young readers.








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